Anatomy Of The Paranasal Sinuses
The paranasal sinuses comprise four pairs of sinuses that surround the nose and drain into the nasal cavity by way of narrow channels called ostia . Mucus leaving the frontal and maxillary sinuses drains through the ethmoid sinuses , so a backup in the ethmoids is likely to clog the other two types of sinuses. The sphenoid sinuses are located deep in the skull, behind the eyes. Sinusitis develops when one or more sinuses become blocked.
There are millions of bacteria in our noses, and most of the time, they’re harmless. Even when a few creep into the sinuses, they don’t cause trouble, as long as they keep draining into the nose along with mucus. But if sinus drainage is blocked, glands in the sinuses continue to produce mucus, and the resulting pool of backed-up mucus provides what Dr. Metson calls “the perfect culture medium.” The bacteria grow out of control, causing infection, and the immune system kicks off an inflammatory response. The result: swelling, which causes and facial pain mucus buildup, which produces congestion and an influx of white blood cells to fight the bacteria, which thickens the mucus and may tint it yellow or green. Other symptoms include loss of smell or taste, cough, bad breath, fever, toothache, and fullness in the ears.
Do I Need To Use The Saline Packets When Using The Nasaline Nasal Rinsing System
Yes and no. You will need some type of purified salt to make the cleansing saline solution but it doesnt necessarily have to be the exact Nasaline brand.
I have tried a few different brands of salt meant for nasal rinsing and they all seem to work fine. So, if you use all of the packets that come with the syringe, you can get a different brand of salt, just make sure that it is specifically for nasal irrigation.
Also, I have noticed some others talking about rinsing your nasal passages with just water- I did that once on accident and I wouldnt recommend it personally.
It burned!
Now, maybe my nose was extra irritated or something, but I think the saline solution is much more effective as plain water.
Keep Turning Your Head To Reach Deep Sinus Passageways
Some experts think its best to turn your head further so it is almost upside down. As one physician wrote in a letter published October 2016 in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, since the openings of the deep sinus passageways are at the very top of the nasal cavity, this is the best way to ensure the water gets into these back tubes.
Recommended Reading: Why Do I Get Sinus Headaches Everyday
How Sinuses Get Clogged
It can happen if the lining of your sinuses and the passages between them become inflamed. An allergy or a cold could cause that, for instance. The inflammation swells and blocks the sinuses from draining. Bacteria can build up, leading to a sinus infection. That causes more inflammation, swelling, stuffiness, and pain.
Why We Get Sinus Infections
Some of us get a sinus infection occasionally, while others find they are a chronic problem. According to research conducted by a sinus specialist in Boston, compared to patients with other chronic conditions like heart failure and back pain, those patients that suffer with sinusitis report the highest level of pain, and the lowest level of social function. They have problems working, and it affects both their energy level and mental health.
Our sinus cavity, located between our eyes and nose, acts as a filter for the air we breathe before it reaches the lungs. There is always bacteria in the nose and its mostly harmless, but should the lining of the sinus cavity and nose come in contact with certain bacteria, a virus or an allergen, they can become swollen, inflamed, and congested. The result is a back-up of mucus and lack of drainage.
If the nose is too dry and no mucus is flowing, this can also trigger a sinus infection.
You May Like: Wisdom Teeth Sinus Pain Relief
Saline Rinse Method For Sinus Infections
When it comes to clearing the sinuses, the first remedy that comes to most people’s minds is likely not a saline rinse. The triggered mental picture of ingesting saltwater through the nose likely does not conjure up images of cleansed sinuses and relief however, the treatment is particularly effective. Plus, a saline rinse is a much safer option than over-the-counter remedies.
How Do You Use This Nasal Rinsing System
Although they seem a little strange at first, nasal rinsing systems are actually pretty straightforward to use.
You need to mix sterile water and salt to make a saline mix .
Once you have made your saline solution, you need to pour it into the Nasaline syringe.
The next step is to place the silicone tip of the nasal irrigator up against one nostril, then use the plunger and push the saline solution up the nasal passage.
The saline solution will wash out the nasal passages, and the solution comes out of the other nostril as it dislodged any mucus and allergens.
You can easily control the flow of the water passing through your nostrils, so it is a comfortable process for you to do.
Repeat this on the other side of the nostril to clean out both nasal passages thoroughly.
You can repeat the whole process if you wish to give your nostril passages a thorough cleaning and dislodge as much unwanted mucus as you can from your nostrils.
Don’t Miss: What Prescription Medicine For Sinus Infection
Pour In The Saline Solution
Place the spout of a neti pot or the tip of a syringe or squeeze bottle just inside your nose. The tip should go in no further than a finger’s width. Keeping your mouth open, squeeze the bulb syringe or bottle, or tilt the pot to pour the water into your nostril. Remember to breathe through your mouth, not your nose.
S For Using A Pressurized Canister
Read Also: Sinus Pressure Relief For Kids
Saline Solution For Wounds
Wounds need proper care to heal fast. They must be kept scrupulously clean, which is one of the most important steps in healing process. Any loose debris or bacteria can lead to infection and prevent healing. Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, cleanse the wound every time you change a bandage or dressing. Saline solution for wounds is one of the best answers for keeping the wounds as clean as possible.
How To Prepare A Saline Spray Solution
How to prepare a saline spray solution? Method 1 of 3: Making a Saline Solution Gather your materials. Making a saline solution is simple because all you need is salt and water! Make the saline solution. Theres more to making saline that just mixing salt and water. Consider adding baking soda . A half teaspoon of baking soda will adjust the pH of the solution. Fill your spray bottle and store the remaining solution.
How do you make a saline nasal spray? How to Make Homemade Saline Nasal Spray Warm the water to a temperature that is as warm as you can tolerate . Add water and mix / shake to combine. Follow directions for using your saline wash container.
Is it safe to use saline nasal spray everyday? A saline nasal spray is safe to use multiple times a day for as many days in a row as you need. Many use them every day, morning and night. Because a saline nasal spray contains natural ingredients, there are no addictive side effects to worry about.
How often can you use Simply Saline? Once per day is great for prevention and maintenance of healthy sinuses. Kick that up to twice per day during an acute infection . Just dont do saline rinses more than twice per day.
You May Like: Does Amoxicillin Help With Sinus Infection
Commercial And Homemade Rinses
Various nasal saline rinse kits are available commercially, including the Sinus Rinse brand, which contains pre-mixed salt packages.
Alternatively, a home-made salt-water mixture can be made and used in a Neti pot, squeeze bottle, or nasal bulb syringe.
Here is a saline sinus rinse recipe from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology :
To make your own saline, mix the following in a clean container:
- 3/4 teaspoon non-iodized salt, such as pickling or canning salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup warm water
Then, place the above mixture in a clean Neti pot or sinus rinse squeeze bottle, or draw up into a nasal bulb syringe.
Side Effects
While neti pots are typically considered safe, there were two deaths in the United States related to brain infection with the amoeba Naegleria fowleri from people who used tap water in Neti pots for nasal irrigation. This is why it’s critical to only use distilled or boiled water when performing nasal irrigation. Cleaning the device properly is also key to preventing contamination.
It is also not recommended to perform sinus rinses within at least 60 minutes prior to going to bed, as the saline will drain down the back of the throat, and could cause a cough.
Keep Your Nasal Irrigation Devices Clean
In rare cases, this is very serious. The Centers for Disease Control warns that very rarely, people using nasal irrigation with tap water have become infected with the dangerous parasite Naegleria fowleri. While these organisms may not cause harm if swallowed because stomach acid wipes them out, they can live and thrive in the warren of passageways of your sinuses.
Recommended Reading: Mucinex And Advil Cold And Sinus
Are Sinus Rinses Safe To Use
Sinus rinse kits are safe to use so long as they are properly sterilized, according to Dr. Bleier
A sinus kit typically includes a salt solution and the device . The salt solution is a mixture of salt and baking soda that matches the pH content in your body. This allows the water solution to feel easy as it passes through the nasal cavity, said Dr. Bleier.
The devices themselves are not designed to go deeply into the nostrils, so they do not cause much irritation. However, the bottles can be a breeding ground for bacteria and/or fungus.
Dr. Bleier recommends cleaning the bottle with hot, soapy water or putting it in the dishwasher right before use. Some of the newer bottles are also microwave safe, and for these, one minute on high with a small amount of water in the bottom will do the trick.
The water used can also grow bacteria, fungus or, in very rare cases, amoebas, which are single-celled organisms that can cause life-threatening infections in humans.
To ensure your water is safe to use, I recommend using either distilled water, which you can buy from a pharmacy, or boiled water that has been cooled, said Dr. Bleier. All clean water should be used as soon as possible to reduce bacterial exposure.
What Is A Sinus Flush
A saltwater sinus flush is a safe and simple remedy for nasal congestion and sinus irritation that just about anyone can do at home.
A sinus flush, also called nasal irrigation, is usually done with saline, which is just a fancy term for salt water. When rinsed through your nasal passages, saline can wash away allergens, mucus, and other debris, and help to moisten the mucous membranes.
Some people use a device called a neti pot to help deliver the salt water to the nasal cavities, but you can also use squeeze bottles or bulb syringes.
A sinus flush is generally safe. However, there are a few important safety instructions to be aware of before you try it.
Don’t Miss: How Does A Doctor Diagnose A Sinus Infection
What Are The Differences Between Decongestants And Antihistamines
are most commonly used to treat nasal or sinus congestion, while antihistamines are often used for the treatment of allergies and can also reduce drainage associated with a runny nose, postnasal drip, or watery, itchy eyes.
While decongestants are generally considered safe, there are a few side effects that you should be aware of:
- Patients with heart problems or high blood pressure may not be able to safely use decongestants, as they can cause your blood pressure to increase. Make sure to talk to your doctor before using a decongestant if you have pre-existing heart conditions or high blood pressure.
Antihistamines are commonly used for the treatment of allergies, but they may also be useful when you have a cold. Antihistamines are a type of medication that blocks the action of a chemical produced by the body called histamine, which is typically produced in response to the presence of an allergen.
Histamine causes the tissues inside the nasal passages to swell and itch, causing you to start sneezing and developing a runny nose. While histamine typically is not considered responsible for causing a runny nose and sneezing if youre sick with a virus or illness like the common cold, use of antihistamine nasal sprays or pills may help reduce congestion nonetheless.
Antihistamines are commonly used and can be purchased over the counter or with a prescription, but they are associated with a few side effects, including:
- Drowsiness
How To Use A Saline Rinse:
Using a saline rinse is relatively easy. An appropriate rinse is comprised of 1/2 teaspoon sea salt mixed into 1 cup of warm water. After the salt has dissolved in the water, it can be poured into a nasal spray bottle or neti pot. To complete the rinse, lean over the sink and insert the nozzle into the nose, squeezing to allow the mixture to enter the nose. Allow the rinse to travel through the nasal passages and exit the throat. Complete the rinse as often as needed, but wait at least 30 minutes between each rinse.
You May Like: Can You Get A Sinus Infection
Sinus Facts: Why Hypertonic Saline Solutions Are Better Than Isotonic
As you may or may not already know, using a saline rinse is beneficial for keeping your sinuses in good condition, particularly during the dry and cold winter months. Saline as the ability to reduce the thickness of mucus and works like a humidifier by keeping your sinus secretions fluid and moving. It helps to remove particles and germs that may be the root cause of sinus inflammation and irritation. Using a saline rinse daily can even help prevent inflammation, since it flushes out lingering pathogens that can often aggravate the sinuses. However, not all saline rinses are considered equal. We recommend hypertonic solutions over isotonic solutions and heres a few reasons why:
How To Do A Sinus Flush
The first step is to create a saline solution. Typically, this is done by mixing warm, sterile water with pure salt, known as sodium chloride, to create an isotonic solution.
While you can create your own saline solution at home, its recommended that you purchase over-the-counter premixed saline packets.
Its crucial to use sterile water for this step. This is due to the risk of a serious infection with a parasitic amoeba called Naegleria fowleri. Once this amoeba enters the sinuses, it makes its way to the brain and causes a fatal infection.
You can sterilize your water by boiling it for a minute and then allowing it to cool.
To clear your sinuses, follow these steps:
If youve recently had sinus surgery, resist the urge to blow your nose for four to seven days following the procedure.
- severe headache
- seizures
- coma
- stinging in the nose
- sensation of ear fullness
- nosebleeds, though this is rare
Read Also: How To Clear Sinus Infection At Home
Nasaline Nasal Rinse For Children
The Nasaline Junior is a great option for children who may be suffering nasal discomfort, irritation, and allergies.
Designed for children aged 4-12 years of age, just like the adult version, it is a great drug-free relief for nasal congestion and allergies.
The Nasaline Junior uses a syringe delivery system which makes it super easy to use with your children.
Its as noninvasive as possible, and you can easily control the flow and pressure of the water through the nasal cavities to suit how well your child tolerates it.
The Nasaline Junior is designed to prevent backflow, therefore, reducing the chance of nasal debris or allergens getting caught back up again in the nostrils if the flow is stopped midway.
Some kids may not like having water up their nose so if you try it with your young ones be sure to take it slow and explain and demonstrate the process before beginning.
And be sure this is used with parental supervision!